rmadlem

Being a novice mechanic and wanting to do more work on my Vette by myself...I would like some advice on the best way to get under the car. (I got hammered a little in the past for being happy that I "only" paid $400 for the Chevy dealer to replace my starter) I replaced the radiator last year without raising the Vette and still have scrapes on my neck!!! :cry
Obviously a hydraulic hoist would be the ultimate.....but in reality, which do you guys (or girls) prefer.......those drive-up ramps or a hydraulic floor jack and jack stands. Any recommendations?
Thanks........with snow on the ground and the car in storage, I won't be doing anything until probably March.......

Rick

BeachinVette

I prefer Jack and stands.

Bob

Scott78

I have a pair of 2 1/2 ton floor jacks and 4 jackstands. The car ramps I have are to steep and to narrow for the vette. In the past there was a post with a homemade ramp set that looked solid. I just use a jack on either side, raise the front, put stands under it then do the rear. A little slow to get started on repairs but effective and solid.
Scott

ZD75blue

i use ramps, i dont drive the car up on them tho... jack up one side, then the other...

I also use stands under the back of the doors at the end of the frame, for extra hight... thinking about ramps on all 4 to be clear all the way back

Jughead

I made these ramps outa 2x12 outdoor lumber. Otherwise I use 6ton jack stands and 3ton jack stands



Yikes! $400 to replace your starter??? :eek: Then I'm saving a fortune..I'll have to remind my wife. :lol:


[Modified by 1970 Stingray, 12:25 PM 1/11/2002]

Mack

Kinda depends on what I'm doing and how long it'll be up in the air. I've got a floor jack and some jack stands, but for a quick check on something, I use ramps. I got some "Rhino Ramps" from Auto Zone. I don't have any clearance problems with them, when I'm driving on or off, but I have a stock air dam. I think they cost $40 or $50 dollars, but I bought them a couple of years ago, so that may be wrong.

Mack

No, man.... Don't ever discuss how much you save on the car with your wife. Bad things can happen... Like she will figure out how to spend the money that you just saved.... Or maybe she'll suggest how to save a BUNCH of money... Like sellin' the Vette.

VTHokie77Vette

I use a 2.5 ton floor jack and I have a pair of 3 ton jack stands. I like it and it is solid.

jrh74cp

I use both ramps and stands. I prefer to use the ramps when working underneath the motor. Gives me a bit more room to maneuver around, rather than having to dodge the stands.

rmadlem

Uh, I forgot to mention that "included" an oil change. :rolleyes:
Thanks for all of the input!!!

Monkeywrench

Here are the threads on "poor man's lifts"

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=178594
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=186994
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=182413

and kwiklift's website.. www.kwiklift.com

82dukman

Jack and stands here too. If money isn't a major problem, check out http://www.kwiklift.com
There was also a thread on this before. On this thread, Binnie77, made a homemade ramp/lift out of wood. Gonna build one myself. He also give directions on how to build it. Hope this helps :seeya http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=209928

Monkeywrench

Speaking of kwiklifts I know CF did a group purchase a while back. Anyone interested in looking at this again?

82dukman

I would be interested. the wife wasn't happy with the $1300 price tag on their site

Edzred72

As you can see, both ramps and J-stands have their usefullness. I would take into account what degree of repairs you plan to tackle, and make your initial purchase acordingly. If what you decide now is not sufficiant in the future, just GO SHOPPING!!! Good luck with your new hobby, and remember.... just hang around this forum for a while and read all you can... you won't be a novice for long. Also, the "Assembly Manual" (AIM) and Shop Manual for your car will be a great help to you. :cheers: :cheers:

ZD75blue

why dont you buy a set of ramps... 4 j-stands and a floor jack... with the adapter to get the trans out if you ever need it :yesnod: i have a craftsman that i got for a year ago that hasnt given me any problems (floor jack)

About the ramps... i have heard good things about the rhino ramps... but my only problem is they are plastic...

Bills17n72

Rick
I see that you are my neighbor,are you gonna get up to mackinaw city this august with that pretty car?????

Bills17n72

82 dukman ,what kind of hog you got? I bought a new sportster awhile back,and I love it!!!!!

yo Bill

Rexx

Rick,

You might end up wanting both, stands and a set of ramps.

Obviously if the car won't run, you can't use a drive up ramp system. If you need to get a tire off, ramps are out. Stands give good access, but I suppose ramps can be easier.

You don't really need a monster floor jack. A 3-ton ought to be enough (that's 6,000 lbs, almost twice what vettes weigh). The vette is the heaviest car I own, so a 3-ton floor jack was fine for me - I bought it at Sears. More vertical costs more for jacks. Oh, four stands is a good idea but 2 should be fine to start.

Good luck! And, hey, I'm in the same boat. I'm tired off putting my mechanics kids though college. :cry I'm starting to do my own work. When you do your own work, you have a much better idea what mechanical state the car is in and you can better organize your "punch list." My punch list is LONG. :)

-Rexx

rmadlem

Hey Bill, I would love to!! I got the car last May, and really didn't have a lot of places to go last year. So this summer I intend to do some traveling to shows.....I will definitely check out Mackinaw!!!!
Take care in Lowell
:seeya